Chief Operating Officer Chief Of Staff

Organizational Profile

Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC ("AAJC") is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1991. Our mission is to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all. For more than 30 years, we have served as the leading Asian American voice on civil rights issues in our nation’s capital – fighting for the rights of our communities through policy advocacy, litigation, research, public education, and community engagement.

Based in Washington, DC, Advancing Justice | AAJC is a member of the Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice) affiliation. With our affiliates in Atlanta, Chicago, and Southern California, we work together as equal and independent partners, operate under one name, and strive to speak with one unified and powerful voice to promote justice, empower our communities, bring local and national constituents together, and strengthen our multiracial democracy.

Position Details

Title :

Chief Operating Officer

Reports to :

President and Executive Director

Supervises : Vice Presidents

Term : Immediately

Status :

Full‑time, Exempt Employee, 40 hours / week

Salary : $175,000‑$225,000

Location : Washington, DC

Unionized organization, this position is not in the collective bargaining unit.

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer is a newly‑created position that will work closely with the President and Executive Director, supporting the President and Executive Director’s management of the executive team and overseeing the internal operations of the organization. The Chief Operating Officer will be responsible for guiding and ensuring accountability for organizational priorities, including through oversight and coordination of the individual departments managed by the Vice Presidents. The Chief Operating Officer also will serve as a sounding board for and provide advice and counsel to the President and Executive Director.

Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership

Manage day‑to‑day operations of organization, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with the executive team related to policy, programs, budget, finance, and grants, communicating with the President and Executive Director as appropriate or as requested.

Act as thought partner to and assist the President and Executive Director on all issues related to the organization to ensure implementation of AAJC’s mission, strategic plan, and program goals.

Ensure the President and Executive Director’s awareness of and involvement in a project or decision‑making process at the relevant moment, as informed by day‑to‑day events and performance.

Lead and engage in regular and / or strategic meeting preparation and follow‑up.

Oversee the executive team, regularly communicating with the President and Executive Director regarding that oversight.

Serve as a visible and engaged leader who actively shapes and reinforces the desired organizational culture.

Lead the executive team in nurturing and leveraging cross‑departmental relationships.

Guide the executive team and other directors in assessing, formulating, and establishing priorities for key institutional goals.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all teams to optimize workflows, reduce inefficiencies, and ensure timely plan development and project execution, ensuring that plans are fully developed, understood, and a successful path to completion.

Keep the President and Executive Director informed of organizational culture, including staff well‑being, project statuses, strategic priorities, opportunities, and challenges.

General AAJC Roles

Build trust, teamwork, and transparency among staff, board, National Advisory Council, affiliates, and community partners.

Manage and enhance AAJC’s policies and procedures, including integrity and confidentiality.

Participate in and lead decision‑making processes, understand outcomes, and be accountable for decisions made in or affecting their area.

Understand the values and principles of AAJC and apply them fully in work responsibilities.

Participate in other activities and serve on ad hoc committees as requested.

Attend and contribute to AAJC and Board of Directors’ meetings.

Be available to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree required. JD or advanced degree in business, public administration, organizational management, nonprofit management or a related field highly preferred.

At least 15 years of progressive management experience in non‑profit operations and directly related to this position is required.

Broad knowledge and experience in public policy, organizational planning, and management is required.

Ability to meet internal and external deadlines in a fast‑paced, rapidly‑changing environment is required.

Experience with and knowledge of Asian American, civil and / or human rights issues preferred.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

Ability to operationalize vision, think strategically, creatively problem solve, lead change, and exercise exceptional confidentiality, discretion, and judgment.

Able to measure program outcomes and effectiveness using valid metrics.

Skilled in working with diverse groups and harmonizing different viewpoints to achieve a united team and purpose.

Collaborative leadership style, strong people skills, proven ability to manage, coach, and mentor staff, and work collegially with management team members.

Ability to make hard decisions as needed to resolve issues and create a path forward.

Application Process

Send a resume, cover letter, short writing sample, and references (we only call for final candidates) to Hiring Manager at hiring@advancingjustice-aajc.org or 1620 L Street NW, Suite 1050, Washington, DC 20036. Applications with all four items will be considered.

COVID vaccination required. Exemption requests considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC is an equal opportunity employer.

Flexible work from home options available.

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